UCLA Wins NCAA Softball Championship

May 31, 1999

OKLAHOMA CITY - The top-ranked UCLA softball team, claimed its eighth NCAA Softball Championship Monday, knocking off No. 3 Washington 3-2, in front paid attendance of 4,472 at Don Porter Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla. The World Series victory gives UCLA a total of nine national championships as, in addition to its eight NCAA titles, the Bruins claimed the 1978 AIAW national crown. UCLA third baseman Julie Adams headlined a total of four Bruins named to the All-CWS Team, as she was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. The win marks UCLA's 63rd of the season, setting a new school record. UCLA finishes the season with a 63-6 overall mark.

The Bruins will arrive home in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning (9:51 a.m.) on United Airlines flight #1003.

Unlike its three victories leading up to the championship game, UCLA came out swinging against Washington, scoring all three of its runs in the first two innings. In the top of the first, Adams got things started, notching a two RBI single to left center, scoring Amanda Freed and Lyndsey Klein. With a 2-0 lead in the top of the third, pitcher Courtney Dale added to the Bruin lead, blasting a leadoff homer, a solo shot off Husky starter Jennifer Spediacci.

Washington, however, made it close. With UCLA up 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Husky pitcher Jamie Graves lead off the inning with a single to short. She was moved over to second and then to third on consecutive groundouts by Rosie Leutzinger and Kelly Hauxhurst. Down to its final out of the game, Washington stayed alive on a Kim DePaul RBI single, scoring Graves from third, cutting the Bruin lead to just one. Freed however, who came in to relieve Dale in the bottom of the fifth, got Becky Newbry to hit into a fielder's choice, ending the game and helping UCLA to the 3-2 victory.

Dale, who gave up just three hits and one earned run, received the victory, improving to 33-1 on the season. Her 33 wins on the year tie her with Lisa Fernandez for most single-season victories at UCLA. Freed, who picked up her third save on the year, gave up two hits and one run in three full innings of work.

Along with Adams, UCLA had three players named to All-College World Series Team, including Christie Ambrosi, Courtney Dale and Amanda Freed. Adams, the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, batted .667 (6-for-9) in UCLA's four games on the week, adding a double and two RBI. She bounced back strong after suffering a dislocated shoulder on Thursday, in UCLA's 3-2, opening game victory over DePaul.

UCLA now owns 78 NCAA team championships, the highest total in the nation, including eight in softball.

POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Head Coach Sue Enquist:
"This is a thrill. It's unbelievable. It has been a long road and the team has done a great job handling the pressure. I couldn't be more proud of the kids. They improved each game and I was extremely pleased with the way we carried out our attack. We wanted to be aggressive early in the count. I have to give a lot of credit to our assistant coaches who helped put together a plan. It is just a great day to be a Bruin."

On first championship since 1992: "It's always special. You always have people on your team that have never been here before. That is what it's all about as a coach. The kids develop, work hard, carry out the plan, then finally get to savor something like this. I enjoy standing on the side and just watching. This wasn't easy. You have to tip your cap to Washington, they played hard until the final out.

On Bruin pitcher Courtney Dale: "She has led us all year long. She has been the backbone of this team. I knew that the pressure would be incredible for her in the first inning. She is a sophomore in eligibility, but a freshman in the circle. I couldn't be more proud of the way she settled in."

On third baseman Julie Adams: "She is a gamer. She has the most incredible drive. She just gets the job done."

UCLA Junior Julie Adams:
On playing with an injured left shoulder: "When you get to this point in the season it's not an issue. You have to think about your teammates. If you have ever been in this situation you know that it (injury) doesn't cross your mind. There was nothing that was going to keep me off the field."

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